The action in the novel “Lusha” mainly takes place in the USSR and Great Britain. The events cover almost the entire twentieth century. Setting the composition on a harmonic series, “dislocated” time moves tensely. The leitmotif non-linearly, poignantly develops around six generations of the same family, whose restless lobes are skillfully implanted in the symphony of the century. The Russian language is enriched with magical ciphers from Turkic and Old Testament myths, the epic of the ancient world to a two-century old English children's song ”Twinkle, twinkle, little star“ and pioneer Soviet speeches.
Understanding the cultural background of the creator is helped by his biography. Karina Cochrell-Ferré was born in Voronezh and grew up in Batumi. She graduated with honors from the Voronezh Pedagogical Institute. Since 1991 she has been living in Great Britain. After postgraduate studies at the University of Greenwich, she taught language and information technology in colleges. She is engaged in translations, has written a collection of short stories, two books of historical novels. Her short story “I Saved Everyone Then” was awarded the Canadian Hemingway Prize. She lives in Letchuert Garden City near Cambridge. Since the first day of Russian aggression, she has stood in solidarity with Ukraine in her public activities and texts.
What Are the Objectives of the Award?
The primary goal of the Award is to support authors and promote Russian-language literature worldwide. We welcome all who write and read in Russian, regardless of citizenship or place of residence. We aim to foster a Russian-language culture free from political and imperial influences.
How Is the Award Process Conducted?
The Prize is awarded annually. The Jury holds a vote in which each member selects between one and three works. The author whose work receives the highest number of votes becomes the winner.
What Awards Are Provided?
The Prize winner receives a grant for the translation of their work into English, French, and German.
When Does the Submission Period for the Competition Start and End?
Submissions for the third season of the prize will open on July 15, 2026, and close on October 15, 2026.
When will the list of finalists and winners be announced?
On January 20, 2027, the Council of Experts will announce the shortlist. The Independent Jury will announce the winner on May 25, 2027.
What are the conditions for the nomination of a book for the award
Works published in 2025 are eligible for the third season of the competition. Eligible works (novels, novellas, short story and essay collections, documentary prose) may have been published either as standalone editions or in literary magazines. Nominations may be submitted by publishing houses and magazine editorial boards, as well as by the authors themselves or third parties (with the author's consent and written confirmation). Texts must be submitted for consideration in electronic format. The DAR Prize is open to all authors. Given the prize's main goals — promoting contemporary Russian-language literature outside of Russia — and the nature of the award itself (a translation grant), priority will be given to authors whose works have not previously been translated into English, French, or German.
